Happy Christmas! If you could be any animal at all, what animal would you choose to be? Maybe a Lion for strength? Maybe a bird so you could soar? I doubt anyone will choose the animal I am thinking of…. I’d like to be a donkey! Some may say I’m a bit of one already!

Here’s a couple of fun facts about donkeys. A boy donkey is called Jack, and girl donkey is called Jenny, and a baby donkey is called a foal. They are extremely social animals and like to be together. They are also very loyal to each other and to their human friends.

Reese Witherspoon has a donkey! So does Arnold Schwarzenegger! So does Brigitte Bardot!

But there is another reason I choose a donkey. Every Christmas my grandfather, Canon. Charles Holmes used to share a favourite sermon; in our family we fondly call it “Granddad’s Donkey sermon”. In it, he would say that he would have loved to be the donkey who carried Mary to Bethlehem and got to see the baby Jesus.

My Grandfather was a wonderful man who often looked at the world differently than most. He would say that his favourite part of his body was his feet. After a hard day he would take off his shoes, put his feet up and talk to them like a close friend!

In the same way, my grandfather loved the often-overlooked character in the Nativity story: the donkey. Every year he would read the classic novel The Donkey’s Glory by Nan Goodall. Published in 1944, it tells the life of Jesus through the eyes of three donkeys.

Though the donkey doesn’t speak or have a dramatic role, its quiet presence in the nativity story teaches us profound lessons about humility, service, and devotion. The donkey can help us to consider how we can mirror these positive attributes in our own lives and see the birth of Jesus differently.

In Luke 2, we see Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem. Although a donkey is not mentioned in any of the gospels, the apocryphal writings, the early church teachings and a bit of common sense means that it was highly likely that a donkey was used to carry the heavily pregnant Mary for the four-day journey to Bethlehem. Without a donkey the journey for Mary would have been very dangerous, passing by Samaria where there was unlikely much opportunity for locals to care for Jewish travelers if Mary went in to labour.

The nativity story donkey traditionally isn’t adorned with riches or given a place of honor, yet it bore a great burden and played a crucial role in bringing Jesus into the world. Its humble place in the story reminds us of the attitude Paul describes in Titus 3:4-5: “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Jesus was born into humble beginnings and throughout his life showed mercy and love to all, devoting himself to helping others to do what is good.

The donkey’s role was to carry a heavy load, and it did so faithfully. Likewise, Titus 3:8 calls us to devote ourselves to doing what is good. The donkey’s service is a quiet yet powerful reminder that even small acts of faithfulness can contribute to God’s larger plan. We may not always see the full impact of our actions, but like the donkey, we are called to serve with steadfastness and trust.

Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Like the donkey, we can offer support to those around us, through encouragement, prayer, and practical support.

Donkeys are known for being stubborn. I helped with the donkeys at the John Turnbull Christmas Carols for several years and I think Donkey’s get a bad rap! My experience is that over many hours, carrying hundreds of excited kids, the Donkeys I worked with were humble and kind to every human they met and were not stubborn or selfish.

The steadfast attitude to persevere on the long journey of life requires this same humility. The nativity donkey didn’t seek recognition; it simply does what is needed. This Christmas, we can serve others by sharing kindness, offering a helping hand, or simply being present with those who need comfort. In doing so, we reflect God’s love and grace.

Is there someone we can serve this Christmas without seeking anything in return, knowing that God sees and values our faithfulness?

Titus 3:8 emphasizes the importance of good works, not as a means of salvation but as a response to God’s grace. This Christmas, it is important that we do not be distracted by the desire to impress, the desire to have things, or the desire to have the “perfect” Hallmark Christmas Day. Following the example of the humble service and devotion of the nativity donkey we should be instead, actively seeking opportunities to do good and make a positive impact where we are, in our community, in our family, with our neighbours and friends.

The wonderful Christian author Max Lucado once wrote about the nativity donkey saying “He demanded no recognition, expected no compensation. He isn’t even mentioned in the Bible. He was happy to do his job and let Jesus have all the attention. Perhaps we could learn a lesson from the Christmas donkey? There is always a place in the nativity, God’s nativity story, for the person who will plod along expecting no applause, bear up under the weight of the long haul, and carry the One who will carry us all.”

The donkey’s humble service mirrors the humility of Jesus Himself, who came into the world not as a conquering king but as a vulnerable baby in a manger. This Christmas, let us ask ourselves: How can we embody this same humility in the way we treat others?

May you go forth today inspired by the lessons of the donkey and filled with the peace and joy of Christ.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, on this holy day, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to bring salvation to the world. As we celebrate His birth, help us to reflect the humility and service of the donkey in our lives. Teach us to carry the burdens of others, to walk in humility, and to devote ourselves to doing good. May our actions this Christmas reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name.

Bless us as we go forth to share Your light with those around us. Fill our hearts with joy and gratitude for the miracle of Jesus’ birth. In His precious name, we pray. Amen